An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Gordiya Parleys with Tuwurg1341
Calligrapher: Hasan ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali ibn Husaini (known as al-Mausili)
scene from a Shah Namah MS by Firdausi, probably painted in Shiraz of Isfahan; the Khagan sends his brother Tuwurg to pursue Curdiya, sister of Bahram Chubina; Curdiya, clad in her brother's armor, parleys with him before she slays him; Paintings - Album
13 x 8 1/8 in. (33.02 x 20.64 cm) (sheet)
Ink, colors, and gold on paper
Page
Iran
14th century
Bequest of Mrs. Margaret McMillan Webber in memory of her mother, Katherine Kittredge McMillan
In the quiet corners of history, where tales of bravery and heart intertwine, we find ourselves tracing the delicate lines of a remarkable manuscript: the Shahnameh. This particular page invites us into a world of vibrant hues and swirling stories, where the text stretches like ancient whispers alongside the rich imagery that breathes life into its verses.
At the bottom of a six-columned tapestry of words, the scene unfolds with an enchanting rhythm. On the left, we see Gordiya, a noblewoman of great influence, poised elegantly atop her horse. The image captures her strength and determination, a silent testament to the trials that have shaped her fate. Long before this moment, her late brother Bahram bravely attempted to claim the throne from the mighty Sasanian emperor, Khosrow II. His efforts, however noble, ended in turmoil; the winds of destiny forced both siblings to flee to the distant court of the emperor of China.
As the story unfurls, we learn that the Chinese emperor, with a majesty of his own, sought to wed Gordiya, believing her spirit would anchor his reign. Yet, within Gordiya’s heart, a fierce flame flickered—a refusal to surrender her freedom. Stepping into her role as a fearless protagonist, she crafted her plans for escape, driven by an unwavering hope forged in the fires of struggle.
But fate is a cunning adversary. News of her intentions reached the ears of the emperor, and soon, Tuwurg, the emperor's formidable military leader, came riding forth, a shadow of authority on the right side of the image. The composition of the scene, alive with action and tension, hints at a forthcoming clash reminiscent of a spirited game of polo.
What we see here is not just a fight but a foreshadowing of Gordiya’s triumph. The lines of the artwork pulse with the energy of her spirit, revealing her inevitable victory over Tuwurg, leading not only to her liberation but also to her return to Iran—a land that awaited her with arms wide open.
In the end, as history would have it, Gordiya found herself before Khosrow II once more, a ruler now transformed by her journey. Their union became not just a marriage but a powerful alliance, weaving together tales of love, strength, and resilience. This single page of the Shahnameh embodies the poetic nuance of a woman’s fight for autonomy, inviting all of us to reflect on the power of determination and the legacies we leave behind.
About the artist
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